Over the course of 8 days, 3 members of CNEWA Canada’s staff, with the help of our generous team in Ethiopia – were able to visit 20 projects in Ethiopia. Over our week+ trip the resounding “Servant’s heart” was constantly on my mind to describe CNEWA’s mission in Ethiopia.
Day 1 Arrival Visit CNEWA Staff, Refugee Centre and St Ephraim’s Seminary
We touched down in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and hit the ground running with a full schedule to visit as many of our projects in Ethiopia as possible.
Small but mighty, CNEWA staff on the ground in Ethiopia is a strong team of 5. Their spirit, passion and drive to serve the people of Ethiopia through CNEWA’s projects was tangible from the moment we walked into the office. Argaw Fantu, Regional Director, Tarekegn Umuro, Programs Officer Megnote Degefa, Accountant Tazanesh Kassahun, CCIS Officer Yosef Francis, IT Admin & Creative Services Assistant. They each welcomed us with open arms and open hearts, as it was evident that CNEWA holds us all together in mission and see that they offer as much of themselves as possible.
“Ethiopia is used as a path for refugees” – Argaw Fantu, Regional Director of CNEWA’s office in Ethiopia. These words came to life when we met with JRS (Jesuit Refugee Centre) staff in Addis Ababa. Hearing from the support workers and members of staff we could truly see that though there is an immense need for not only safety for refugees to make it to Ethiopia, but a place for them to find “a home” – JRS Refugee Centre truly holds a sense of peace and welcoming spirit that people from all areas of Eastern Africa may find. With psychological support, classes for youth to learn and a place to just be JRS Refugee Centre, with your support helps some of Ethiopia’s most vulnerable.
Visiting St. Ephraim’s Seminary was a real highlight for us as the gratitude and joy we were embraced with was palpable. The seminarians welcomed us with a song from their hearts and sung with harmonies that brought us to tears. We were shown around the seminary, that the second you stepped inside could feel the love they have for the mission, for the Lord, and gratitude for their studies. “We truly would not be here without CNEWA’s mission” as CNEWA has supported this seminary since the beginning.
Day 2 Visit Meki Catholic School, Skill Training Center and Shashemene School for the Blind
The students at Meki High School had a palpable spirit and drive for excellence amidst such struggle and poverty. It was evident that, though at times they lack proper nourishment and a home support system – through the support of CNEWA, and the passion of the staff at the schools, the students can achieve their goals at Meki High School with a 95% graduation rate. And we note that in all of Ethiopia there is an overall 5% graduation rate from all high schools.
Meki Catholic school holds the excellence and exemplary discipline of their students very highly as we saw firsthand the respect and responsibility, they exemplify just by walking into the classrooms. Though we also learned that the cultural norm is for young girls in high school, to be reserved and quiet at school, during class or otherwise they won’t be accepted for the following year. It was a heartbreaking reality to learn this, though also learning the reality that the society is also patriarchal dominated by men. It was a culturally enriching experience to be taken through the halls of Meki Catholic school.
“Religious sisters are the foot soldiers of the church” – Argaw Fantu, Regional Director of CNEWA’s office in Ethiopia about the sisters who give their lives to serve at the convents in Ethiopia. This quote could not have been more evident when meeting Sister Sara of the Capuchin Sisters who runs the Shashemene school for the Blind. Along with the other Capuchin Sisters, we were welcomed into their convent to stay a night before our drive back to Addis Ababa the following day.
Day 3 Visit Arch Diocese of Addis Ababa PAX Catholic TV and JPII Center, Briefing on activities of FMOC Sisters
Our third day in Ethiopia we had the opportunity to visit PAX Catholic TV – the only Catholic TV Station in Ethiopia, they began 2 years ago to help spread Christ’s message to those who otherwise may not hear it. CNEWA Supports PAX CTV’s Family and Children’s programs and broadcasts a mass every Monday morning for CNEWA’s donors as they are beyond grateful for the support of their benefactors. The staff at PAX CTV have a heart for their mission that explodes for their viewers and all those who desire to be part. They also are connected to building JPII Centre, a high school we had the pleasure of visiting both the newly renovated and under construction portions of the beautiful school.
“I don’t know what will become of the country but the people are crying” – Sister Lujina Gebrewold Project Director of FMOC Sisters
The Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Christ brought such a welcoming and loving spirit to our stay in Addis Ababa, as we heard of their own missions and heart for the people of Ethiopia. The quote above from Sister Lujina touched me deeply as she described her experience with the women and children in their community who don’t have proper medical support for their families, as they try to help as much as they can.
Their hospitality was most kind as they welcomed us into their home to stay 3 nights while we were in Addis Ababa, fed us and kept us going with lively conversation around the dinner table.
Day 4 Visit The Order of the Imitation of Christ, Wolkite St. Joseph Catholic School, Gumuz Tribe, and Briefing on Pastoral Activities of Emdibir Eparchy
Our day began with a visit to the Order of the Imitation of Christ who run Wolkite St. Joseph Catholic School, where we were met with song and a heartfelt presentation on the history of the Order and projects. CNEWA supported their mission during an emergency drought in 2022. Their generosity and selflessness capture Christ’s servant heart and willingness to give from the depths of their souls for the children, students, communities – and do so with the brightest smiles of joy and love.
Bishop (Abune) Lukas, the Eparch of Emdibir, Father (Abba) Tesfa-amlak Fikre and the other priests at the Eparchy of Emdibir had a spirit that was so contagious, full of joy and exemplified a heart of service that they truly shared with their community.
Reserved at first, the people of the Gumuz tribe calme to welcome us with smiles and open hands. Father Augustine showed us their church that is often at max capacity – what a blessing though more space comes at a cost that is rising monthly. Most of the people in Emdibir must travel miles for water from a reserve and for wood to make fires for food. This was a difficult reality to swallow – and see firsthand how limited their basic human needs are met. Though somehow, these struggles were visibly eased if for a moment when Fr. Augustine came around to the people of his community, bringing warmth and, with your support through CNEWA sustenance.
Part 2 to come next week!
When you have a lot you still inquire more but when you are empty handed… trusting in God is the best thing you can do.”
-Bishop Lukas
All of the places mentioned, CNEWA either supports currently or has supported in the past. If you’d like to support one of these schools or projects specifically: when donating, type your request in the comments section and we will make sure your generosity reaches the intended purpose.